Summer Reading: Candyfreak

"The author has eaten a piece of candy every single day of his entire life."

I could tell from the first sentence in Steve Almond's love letter to candy, CandyFreak: A Journey through the Chocolate Underbelly of America, that I had found a book that would really speak to me. As someone who also has a huge weakness for candy, I was excited to read the riveting romp in search of unique and under-represented candy bars. The often hilarious Almond - who has an incredible name for someone who is a self-proclaimed Candyfreak - travels across America in search of regional candy. For example, did you know that Idaho is the home to a candy called Idaho Spud and that it's nearly impossible to find Valomilk bars west of the Rockies? While not completely flawless - he does get a little preachy regarding mainstream chocolate manufacturers - Candyfreak is definitely a delicious read. After each chapter, I found myself scouring the aisles of unnamed convenience stores looking for these hard-to-find treats. I had to have Sky Bars and Big Hunks and everything in between. If you're not interested in developing a severe candy habit, then I suggest you steer clear. However if you really want to know what an Idaho Spud is, or how a Clark Bar is manufactured (or even what a Clark Bar is), then definitely check it out. But don't say I didn't warn you, after reading this book you will definitely develop a severe candy habit.

I'm not a freak for big name candy bars, but I am a lover of the more obscure ones like whachtamacalit and that all white candy bar with a white nougat, I forgot its name. I only find my self spazzing for chocolate bars when I loose my mind from being on a diet too long. That always happens.

the subtitle makes this sound very sinister! its so weird but did you know that Kit Kats taste really different in the states than elsewhere??? i used to get my dad to bring me up a bunch when he visited, when i moved back to Canada.